Members of an Indigenous People’s (IP) group who eke out a living in Iloilo City by begging for alms were found to have sent reportedly around P45,000 to kin in Jolo town in the Province of Sulu. 

According to the Badjao Task Force in the City of Iloilo, they “rescued” members of an IP group known for ubiquitous presence on city streets begging for alms. 

Badjao Task Force Head Hector Alejano, in an interview with GMA Super Radyo Iloilo, they were able to get copies of transaction receipts on money transfer worth P20,000, P15,000, and P10,000  sent through a pawnshop on one location.

In November 2024, the task force “rescued” off the city streets over 50 Badjaos. 

On December 3, 2024, the task force "rescued" three more Badjaos in the District of Mandurriao. 

Alejano said it is expected that more Badjaos would proliferate on Iloilo City streets as the Christmas holidays near. 

(via Danessa Estante/DYSI Super Radyo GMA)